The Romancers eBook

EDMOND ROSTAND

Edmond Rostand was born at Marseilles in 1868.
Rostand is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant
dramatic poets of modern times. “Les Romanesques”—­“The
Romancers”—­was performed for the
first time in Paris, at the Comedie Francaise, in 1894,
and achieved considerable success. Its delicacy
and charm revealed the true poet, and the deftness
with which the plot was handled left little doubt
as to the author’s ability to construct an interesting
and moving drama. But not until the production
of “Cyrano de Bergerac” in 1897 did Rostand
become known to the world at large. “L’Aiglon”
(1900) was something of a disappointment after the
brilliant “Cyrano.” Ten years later
came “Chantecler,” the poet’s deepest
and in many ways most masterly play.

“The Romancers” is best played in the
romantic atmosphere of the late Eighteenth century;
the costumes should be Louis XVI. The stage-directions
are sufficiently detailed. ]]

* * * * *

[Transcriber’s note: “The Romancers”
is the basis for the plot of the 1960 musical “The
Fantasticks,” with music by Harvey Schmidt,
book and lyrics by Tom Jones.]

ACT I

Scene: The stage is divided by an old wall,
covered with vines and flowers. At the right,
a corner of BERGAMIN’s private park; at the
left, a corner of PASQUINOT’s. On each
side of the wall, and against it, is a rustic bench.
As the curtain rises, Percinet is seated on the
top of the wall. On his knee is a book, out of
which he is reading to Sylvette, who stands attentively
listening on the bench which is on the other side
of the wall.

Sylvette. Monsieur Percinet, how divinely
beautiful!

Percinet. Is it not? Listen to what
Romeo answers: [Reading]
“It was the lark, the herald of
the morn,
No nightingale: look, love, what
envious streaks
Do lace the severing clouds in yonder
east.
Night’s candles are burnt out, and
jocund day
Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops:
I must begone”—­

Sylvette. [Interrupts him, as she listens.]
Sh!

Percinet. [Listens a moment, then] No one!
And, Mademoiselle, you must not take fright like
a startled bird. Hear the immortal lovers: